AUTO REVIEW: 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription is sexy

As always, when I’m delivered a Volvo for my weekly drive I get giddy all over.This time was no different when the 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription parked itself in my driveway. Moving into a second year with its sexy redesign, the added features for 2017 include a new trim level, additional features to the driver assistant and even more infotainment offerings.

With three rows in this premium crossover class, the 2017 Volvo XC90 midsize SUV can actually drive itself. The Volvo drives itself right to the front of the line when it comes to the competition too. Compare it to the Mercedes Benz GLE-class, BMW X5 and the Audi Q7.

Of course safety is always of paramount importance with the Volvo folks, but you also have to consider the features like plenty of room inside and the earth-friendly plug-in hybrid model.

The trim levels on the 2017 Volvo XC90 varies and will determine how many passengers will fit inside.On the T8 it is four, but on the T5 you can fit five passengers. If you need more space then the T6 and T8 will hold seven passengers.

From there you get four levels from the base Momentum, to the R-Design, the luxurious Inscription and the dazzling ultra-luxe Excellence.

On the base Momentum package its 18-inch alloy wheels, a variety of drive modes, LED headlights and fog lights with automatic high beams and a large sunroof.There is also a hands-free power tailgate, rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition and premium vinyl upholstery inside.

Of course the safety features even on the base are impressive with rear parking sensors and lane departure warning.The 40/20/40-split second-row seats means good space for hauling if needed and the third row is a 50/50-split.For techno junkies the nine-inch touchscreen is adequate and there is also a navigation system, Bluetooth phone and audio connect and smartphone app integration.Add to that 10 speakers, and an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port and you have all you need for an excellent driving experience.

On the T6 and T8 Momentum you get the additional 19-inch wheels with leather upholstery and heated front seats. The T8 also includes interior illumination and power thigh support in the front seats.

For the sporty R-Design trim there are 20-inch alloy wheels, a sporty steering wheel with shift paddles and sport seats.Leather upholstery is complimented with illuminated step plates and aluminum cabin accents.

For the Inscription on the T6 and T8 you will find the same R-Design with unique wheels and interior/exterior trim. The leather upholstery also includes heated and air-conditioned front seats and window shades in the back seat.

The Excellence trim level comes only with the T8 and there are four seats with two captain’s chairs with footrests and a rear center console with folding trays. The hot and cold cup holders and two crystal glasses add to the elegance as does the massage function. You can also add a refrigerator on this trim level.

On the extra packages for the 2017 Volvo XC90 there is the Momentum Plus package adding some cool lighting and the Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. The Vision package offers power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors or the Climate package heated windshield and heated windshield washer nozzles as well as a heated steering wheel for the Momentum and Inscription levels.There are also Convenience and Luxury packages with extra safety goodies and more luxury like extra leather features and more massage functions.

Under the hood the 2017 Volvo XC90 T5 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 258-pound-feet of torque in front or all-wheel-drive an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Volvo XC90 T6 has a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 316 horsepower and 295-pound-feet of torque with all-wheel drive standard.

The XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid uses the T6 engine with an 87-hp electric motor. That will give you 400 horsepower and 472-pound-feet of torque. When you use the 240-volt charging station you can recharge in just two-and-a-half hours. If you have to use a 120-volt wall outlet that will take seven hours to recharge.

Safety is where the Volvo brand really stands out so it’s no surprise the 2017 Volvo XC90 is well equipped even with the standard features. You get antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side-impact and full-length side curtain airbags and there are anti-whiplash front seats. Included too are the rearview camera, frontal collision warning and automatic braking.

You also will find the Run-off Road Protection that means if the vehicle goes off the road by mistake the seat belts tighten up and the seats absorb impact.

Additional safety options are the surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and a built-in child booster seat in the second row.

Inside the 2017 Volvo XC90 you get the Swedish style that is luxury and well-planned for maximum comfort.The wood, genuine metal and all the trimmings are aesthetically combined for a premium ride.The controls and knobs are also easy to navigate and the touchscreen won’t leave you scratching your head.

In the additional rows there is leg room, but in the third row it’s a bit tight for adults on a long haul trip.For cargo space when the seats are in use there is 15.8-cubic-feet, but with the seats folded down it 85.7-cubic-feet at the maximum capacity.

As should be expected, this Volvo option is not only a stunner inside and out, but also under the hood where it really matters.The power you get when putting your foot to it is impressive on the four-cylinder. There will be no doubt you can take the road, but the competition also keeps up a healthy pace in this area too.You will feel comfort and ease as you cruise around the turns and spin around town with an easy response at every curve.

A mid-size SUV you can feel proud to drive for many reasons. It looks good, feels good and you will definitely consider this a home away from home worthy of time spent on the road.

Should You Need to Know: From zero to 60 in almost eight second on the T5 to what the Volvo folks say is 6.6 seconds behind the wheel of the T6, you will find this pretty impressive considering it’s a three row consideration for the entire family.

Miles:On the 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD I drove the numbers came in at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

Cost: The price tag on the 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 AWD I drove was $72,805.